Media centre

Tuesday 11 Apr 2006

CHANGES TO PLANS FOR UPHALL STATION

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Proposals for the Airdrie to Bathgate Railway Line at Uphall Station are to be altered following an extensive public consultation. The original plans were to extend the southern car park, in addition to building a new parking area to the north of the station. But following discussions with residents, the area’s MSP, Bristow Muldoon, and local Councillor Alex Davidson, the size of the southern car park will now remain as it is. Ron McAulay, Director, Scotland, said: “Around 1,600 people turned out to the public meetings and exhibitions we held as part of the formal consultation and we’ve been listening very carefully to their views. “Residents in Uphall Station told us they believed the extended car park was unnecessary. We’ve reflected on their comments and are now altering our proposals. We think it’s important the plans strike a balance between achieving value for money and taking into account local concerns. “We’ve had a fantastic response to the formal consultation, but residents can still make their views known on the Airdrie to Bathgate proposals through the dedicated website.” Bristow Muldoon, MSP, added: “Following conversations with constituents in Uphall Station who were concerned about the proposed extension of the southern car park, Councillor Alex Davidson and I made representations to Network Rail about the issue. “I am delighted Network Rail took these concerns on board and has decided to leave the southern car park as it is. I would like to assure additional passengers wishing to park at Uphall Station that this will not affect them as there will be enough capacity at the new car park situated to the north of the station.”